Definition

Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease. The damaged heart does not pump blood correctly. The disease usually progresses, and patients develop life-threatening
heart failure
. People with cardiomyopathy are also more likely to have irregular heartbeats or
arrhythmias
.

There are two categories of cardiomyopathy: ischemic and non-ischemic. Ischemic cardiomyopathy is most common. It occurs when the heart is damaged from
heart attacks
due to
coronary artery disease
. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is less common. It includes types of cardiomyopathy that are not related to coronary artery disease.

There are three main types of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy:

Dilated—Damaged heart muscles lead to an enlarged, floppy heart. The heart stretches as it tries to make up for a weakened ability to pump.

Hypertrophic—Heart muscle fibers enlarge abnormally. The heart does not relax correctly between beats. The heart wall thickens, leaving less space for blood to fill the chambers, so less blood is pumped from the heart.

Restrictive—Parts of the heart wall stiffen. Thickening often occurs due to abnormal tissue invading the heart.

Risk Factors

Symptoms

Symptoms vary, depending on the type of cardiomyopathy and its severity.

Cardiomyopathy leads to heart failure and the following symptoms:

Fatigue

Weakness

Shortness of breath, often worse when lying down or with activity

Cough

Swelling in feet or legs

Chest pain

Irregular heart rhythm

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A stethoscope will be used to listen to your heart. Cardiomyopathies often produce heart murmurs and other abnormal sounds.

Treatment

Heart failure may be due to blockages in the arteries. Treatments to relieve these blockages include
angioplasty
,
stent placement
, and
coronary artery bypass surgery
. These
may lead to improved heart function and symptoms. For certain genetic causes, other treatments may also improve heart function. For many patients, however, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing further damage.

Lifestyle Modification

Changes to eliminate anything that adds to the disease or worsens symptoms:

Avoid alcohol.

If you are overweight,
talk to your doctor about ways to help you lose weight
.

Eat a low-fat diet to reduce the risk and extent of coronary artery disease.

Surgery

For people with hypertrophic disease, doctors may remove part of the thickened wall that separates the heart's chambers. Surgery may be needed to replace a heart valve. Another option is alcohol septal ablation. This procedure reduces symptoms and improves how the heart functions.

A
heart transplant
may be possible for otherwise healthy patients who do not respond to medical treatment. Candidates often wait a long time for a new heart. Those waiting may temporarily receive a ventricular assist device. This is a mechanical pump that takes over some or most of the heart's pumping function.

Prevention

Actively treat hypertension, coronary artery diseases, and their risk factors. This is the best way to prevent most cases of cardiomyopathy. However, other less common causes are not preventable. If you have a family history of the disease, ask your doctor about screening tests. Do this especially before starting an intense exercise program.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.